IF Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC)

Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corp. board meeting was held in the Syringa Networks Board Room (460 Park Ave) at 8:30am December 10, 2019 Attendance: Antonio Meza, Kevin Cutler, Derek Christiansen, Jim Francis, Brandi Newton, Greg Crockett, Jill Hansen, Tasha Taylor, Steve Fischbach, Cindy Napier, Lisa Farris; Staff: Catherine Smith, Juan Hernandez, Mala Lyon; visitors: Emily Fitzpatrick Minutes for November 5, 2019 were reviewed – Jill motioned they be approved; Kevin seconded, and board approved Financials: Catherine reported that we are seeing an increase of parking citations being paid online – as of Nov 30th $3,400 has been received. 610 citations written, 300 have been changed to warnings, 193 paid. Brandi asked how this compares to the city’s collection? Catherine - the city collected about 20% of issued citations. We are working on how to collect on unpaid tickets. Our software can issue letters. Off-Street meters have $1,314 with the Alley lot bringing in 70% of that total. We are working on signage. The $11,000 grant from the city came to replace the kiosk on the River Walk. We will also receive and $8,000 grant to add more trash receptacles at the intersections. Antonio asked if we got any money from Sawtooth Brewery who came to our Fallbrew? No, we had just a verbal agreement and they decided not to give any of the money back to us. We will not invite them again or any other group without written agreements as they took a big chunk of our sale and sales from the food vendors. Greg motioned that the financial report be approved; Cindy seconded; and board approved. Catherine – parking Committee met and reviewed the 2 complaints she asked Greg to report on the meeting. Greg said that the process now will be that contested citations will be done online only and then reviewed by the committee. Downtown merchants will be asked to turn in their complaints in writing which will then be reviewed by the committee, then brought to the board. Idaho Mountain Trading followed this process expressing their concern over the increase in the cost of validation. The board had approved to make validation $1 for 1 hour of validation with merchants required to buy them in $100 batches. In the past the validation was $100, and they had unlimited validation. Richard who uses a lot of validation stamps for his customers in one year felt this was too big of an increase. It was discussed and then decided that the decision of the board would stand making validation $1 per 1 hour. This will be re-reviewed in one year. Catherine said there is a decrease in contested citations as people are understanding that the rules are going to be enforced. Greg said he has noticed a noticeable improvement in available parking spots on the streets. Catherine said the Post Register did an article on parking Friday. It focused on some of the downtown merchants that have gotten citations. We don’t want the merchants to feel like we are coming after them. Antonio said that he has heard employees comment to patrons in a negative light and patrons saying they feel like we don’t want them to come downtown. Can we get more information on explaining why we are enforcing the parking? We don’t want anyone to feel afraid to come downtown for fear they will be towed. Brandi said they have had positive feedback since the maps have been handed out with the tickets to the shows. We also let patrons know we validate for the parking lots. The more we try to defend our position the more they will look for negative. Give it time. Keep the info out there – here is a map. Catherine said we don’t have the budget for a marketing campaign, but we are using social media and focusing on we love downtown. Cindy said the business owners and employees need to talk about parking in a positive manner and help take the confusion out. Tasha suggested putting out interviews with merchants who are seeing the positive changes. Catherine informed the board that the new owners of Smitty’s has asked to be allowed to use the CDBG funds. They are outside the BID. Lisa said we have $60,000, but 2 new downtown businesses have made applications – Pie Hole Pizza, a new pizza by the slice restaurant and a home décor design store are going in on Park Avenue. Brandi suggested that if we have projects inside the BID they are our priority and if we don’t then we can solicit projects outside the BID by going to them and suggesting a project to use the funds on. Antonio mentioned the Frosty Gator and asked how they got funds? They joined the BID and renewed their membership. They were hoping we would come up with money to do their sidewalks and curb. Lisa said the Idaho Professional building has also talked to her about funding and the old Ferrell’s building has discussed getting the windows back into the second floor. Alleys – SnakeBite is wanting to expand their restaurant and utilize the alley between them and Ford’s. Our funding has not covered this type of project before. He saw some wonderful uses of alleys in Europe and wants to develop the area. Brandi expressed that anyone who wats to make an improvement is a good thing. This could be a test project and if it goes well we will look at others. Todd & Gina run a solid business downtown and have for years. They would be a good business to support. 2019 – 2020 goals and focus – parking, signage, public art. Looking at murals in the crosswalks. Boise has done these and we can learn from them. Is there anything else anyone would like to suggest? Lisa said lighting in the alleys is important. We did use some of the RDA funds to replace the lights in the A Street lot and I.F. Power at our request replaced lights in the alley behind Ford’s. We can look at more lighting. Greg said the project of putting the power lines underground should be looked at and how to help with the cost to property owners to reconnect to the new lines. Also moving the BID boundary to Cliff Street. Catherine reported that she had a meeting with Johnson Bros. They are interested in the South Downtown developments. We would need to find out if expanding the BID would mean just talking to the property owners on Cliff or if it would be everyone in the BID. Dana was unable to attend today but asked that we mention the new Liingo app for Idaho falls. It works in 4 different languages and businesses will have a decal on their window which they can scan with their phone and it will tell them info. The city has made a 3-year commitment to this as has the Museum of Idaho, the Zoo and the Art Museum. Antonio asked about the charter bus request for parking? Catherine explained that any signage placed for buses will be open for all bus companies. There is a space on Memorial, and they are looking at a space on the east side of the railroad tracks. Public transit is also being looked at. Antonio asked for any other comments – none voiced. Meeting was adjourned at 9:26am Our next board meeting will be held January 7, 2020 at 8:30am